Supply chains across Europe have been warned that remaining high prices of inputs other than raw materials are expected to keep costs of essential products such as pallets and packaging high for the foreseeable future. According to some European industry indices, the costs of raw materials used to make packaging – pallet wood and steel (for nails) – fell during quarter 3 2022. However, the high cost of energy and fuel are pushing upward rates for logistics, and for heat treating and kiln drying timber. This has pushed the actual price of these items up significantly, according to the European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers.
This article was first published in the December 15th 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
As an established buyer and seller of plastic pallets, Plastic Mouldings Northern Limited (PMN) can offer customers the chance to make money on any unwanted plastic packaging through their Buy Back Scheme, offering both a recyclable solution and an additional revenue stream for businesses and their plastic waste. The old plastic pallets will be assessed when they reach PMN and will either be put back into the market as second-hand stock or sent to the company’s recycling partners where they will be turned into plastic granules, ready to be used again in making more plastic pallets.
A recent IBM study revealed that sustainability is rising on the corporate agenda and CEOs are recognising sustainability as a business imperative and growth driver. Increasingly in the logistics sector, CEOs and MDs are investing in sustainability and calculating how they can reduce their business’ impact on the planet while operating efficiently and profitably. While these calculations are complex and feature many aspects, embracing plastic Returnable Transit Packaging (RTP) is one solution that can help drive efficiency, profits and sustainability, says Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com.
The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) was inducted as a new member of the Logistics Hall of Fame on 29 November 2022 at a gala reception in Berlin together with other individuals and organisations. The Logistics Hall of Fame recognises individuals throughout the world who have shown exceptional dedication to the continuous development of logistics and supply chain management, according to the Logistics Hall of Fame website.
In most cases, pallet racking collapses are preventable and usually occur because of several factors including poor practice, inappropriate training, product quality or non-maintenance, according to Rack Collapse Prevention. Understanding the risks involved will change any future outcomes. Appreciating the associated risks with a racking collapse and what causes a racking system to collapse is key, as they pose a number of hazards to business and employees including: business downtime; stock loss; loss of business; potential fines/safety investigations; and injury or death.
With demand for pallets remaining high, let’s hope the industry can cope with the rising prices.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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